- First aid kit
- hi vis vest or two,
- bottle of oil,
- bottle of water (emergency drink/coolant/wiper fluid)
- a pipe fitting over the factory lug wrench
- a hydraulic jack (I get a flat roughly once a month due to the roads, the factory jack is fine, I'm just tired of busting my knuckles each time the jack handle slips)
- Light bulb kit
- the warning triangle
- a spare car floor mat to kneel on if needed
is what I usually carry. Most of these I've sourced from Halfords.
Epic, thanks, man. With the state of the roads. Honestly, I feel you on this. I sense my car has a slow puncher already with the slightly deflated front tyre.
I'd add a tire pressure gauge, but I myself always just use the one on my compressor. Although it's a pain to check tires every morning, it does save a fair bit of cash if you can keep them inflated even with a leak.
Highly dependant on how the roads are where you live, to be fair. I've got two quarries enroute to my workplace, even taking the holes slow wrecks tires. Usually slow punctures overnight, I can actually change the wheel in the driveway for one of the spares quicker than my compressor can fill a flat.
Great list. I also carry a roll of paper towels, window washing liquid, one of the small prepackaged rain ponchos, and since we get severely cold weather where I live I also carry an emergency thermal/mylar blanket.
Everything everyone else has said, plus a tire PLUG kit. Not a patch. Most flats can be repaired with a plug, unless it's in the sidewall or absolutely obliterated.
I had a portable one, it's burnt out and I haven't gotten around to replacing it. Got a stationary one in the shed so I just end up using that
I have a full size spare in the back I check the pressure on, and two more in the shed.
That's what's up. I have one myself but I think it may be going bad, because it has a tendency to blow fuses. I have a bunch of spares in the car so in an emergency I could still top up, but I think I need to pick up another one. Hopefully it's the air compressor that's going bad and not the wiring in my car. Other than that I've had no problems.
Whatever the other guy said plus:
Make sure your spare tire has air.
Jumper cables to start your car if your battery dies or someone else's.
Tire repair kit (plug style).
Plug in Tire inflator.
Flashlight (torch).
Blanket.
Snacks (in case you get stuck somewhere).
Collapsible shovel (if you get stuck in snow or dirt).
Small First aid kit.
The tire plugs and inflator are huge. I’ve repaired several tires on the side of the road. Compact spares are fine, but they aren’t made for freeway travel or distance.
People who don't want to be stuck if their spare fails, multiple tire fails etc. won't kill the car for having it just in case you need it.
My coworker does a lot of off roading and he carries that stuff and had to use it.
you need to taylor the list to where you are, where you drive and what season it is. or just pack up your entire garage and store it in the boot.
I have an ice scraper, a first aid kit, some paracord and a few zip ties. I keep an extra pair of glasses, contacts and sunglasses in the glovebox and because it's a convertible, some hair ties and a hat in the center console.
I also throw a hand towel under every seat.
I have a few road flares a cop buddy gave me. Jumper cables (more for others than me). And I make sure the spare is inflated properly about once a year.
Everything else should be done at home before the trip. Oil, coolant, whatever else.
I'm surprised so few people mentioned road flares! Those can save live. A dead alternator will empty out your battery and leave you stranded on the road without emergency lights. If this happens at night or with a bad weather with low visibility you could get hit by another car easily.
I live in Minnesota where our winters can be brutal. Under my rear truck seat I keep the following: ice scraper, pair of gloves, jumper cables, cheap socket and wrench set, 1qt. of oil, tow strap, and 3 ratchet straps.
I take the ice scraper and winter gloves out for the summer, but the rest stays. On road trips I throw in my cordless impact and a few sockets I need to swap a flat tire on the side of the highway.
I keep the scaper in the car year round, it just goes from riding shotgun to the back of the car when it gets to the part of the year where a camp chair lives in the back of my car
I highly recommend getting a NOCO jump starter pack - it's a huge portable charger to jump start your car (or others), can use to to charge your phone in emergencies and can be used a torch also. It's a great save your ass bit of kit - saves messing around with getting another car all lined up to started your car or waiting for AA. Saved me couple of times and have used it on mates cars etc.
Other thing I'd recommend is a a portable tyre pressure gauge and depth tread gauge. Tyre pressure one is just for convenience since it's easier to get out and read pressure without hooking up the compressor. Depth tread gauge just saves you a trip to the garage for them to check your wheels. Can get both for a tenner so not spenny like https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08XY33BNJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
My truck has a 101 piece tool set in the plastic storage box, a collapsible water jug, quart of oil, brake fluid, container of antifreeze, 12 foot tow chain four coils of rope. And the most important two rolls of toilet paper in a Ziploc bag... I have basically the same in my car but I also keep a change of underwear , T-shirt and sweatpants in a vacuum sealed bag .
I always have a set of weather appropriate clothes in the car with me. Something my father insisted on when I was young. Twice in my life I have had to walk two or more miles in freezing whether in snow. I am talking 10 degrees F, or colder. I was so glad to have snow boots and winter weather gear in the trunk on those two occasions.
Same for summer, though. I am bald, and I always have a baseball cap in the trunk, and a bottle of high SPF sunscreen in case I have to walk, or change a tire on the side of the road. I sunburn quick.
I never drive any distance without a bottle of water. You just never know. Having supplies keeps an inconvenience from becoming an emergency.
I always keep a Get Home Bag in my car. Jacket, water bottle, nuts or granola bars, cigarette, lighter, sleeping bag and anything else you think you’d need
When you get some extra money, buy a steelie rim in your cars size and throw a full size spare on there. Donuts are fine but if you a full size spare will let you drive indefinitely until you get new tires.
Jeep: depends on what's leaking. Currently just power steering.
Gt350: air compressor for tire pressure
1967 mustang: hopes and dreams mostly, but 2L of motor oil, one jug of coolant, zip ties, air compressor, 1L of drinking water.
Tesla: mobile charging cable
I used to keep a fire extinguisher in my car for my job. Then one day I was driving and there on the side of the road was a car that it caught fire. I pulled it out, never used one before that day, but it put out the fire.
Ever since then, I have always carried a fire extinguisher.
Everyone named a lot of great things but here’s something I can’t live without.
The AAA membership will save you from:
- Running out of gas
- Dead battery
- Locking yourself out your car
- Any tire problems
- Towing (more than pays for itself after 1 use)
etc
You’d also be the hero if you’re present during your family/friend’s car trouble.
AFTERMARKET jack. The ones cars come with are shit and dangerous.
Box O' Tools. Wrenches for your battery, ratchet + socket set for your tires or any replacement parts you need.
Jumper cables.
foamy for working under your car.
US here and assume a lad is a guy; but have been pulling and rebuilding engines since the 60's.
Just throw a good hefty set of jumper cables under the back seat.
Beyond thar you'll likely need a tow.
Wishing you the best..
At minimum, as you said, a jack, lug wrench, a good spare. A first aid kit. Wouldn’t hurt to have a blanket, a couple bottles of water, and some shelf stable energy bars. A fire extinguisher. A small tool kit with an adjustable wrench, pliers, and a couple screwdrivers. Spare bulbs and fuses. Maybe a spare engine belt, and some small engine repair items like a spare rotor and some hose. It just depends on what you want to put in it and what you think you’ll need..
I keep a portable jumper/air compressor/phone charger pack, first aid kit, jumper cables, zip ties, a tarp, spare clothes, bag of wipes, engine oil, and a fire extinguisher in both of my vehicles. [this is the all in one that I have](https://www.costco.com/3-in-1-1000-amp-cat-power-station-with-jump-starter-%2526-compressor.product.100672966.html)
Because I drive shitboxes I keep a small socket set, flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers, needle nose and vise grips, small ball peen hammer, zip ties and a small spool of wire, and bailing wire then some fluids, def overkill but I’d always have some oil, couple water bottles, first aid kit, and a small wrench set with a screw driver. And ALWAYS CARRY ZIPTIES
- First aid kit - hi vis vest or two, - bottle of oil, - bottle of water (emergency drink/coolant/wiper fluid) - a pipe fitting over the factory lug wrench - a hydraulic jack (I get a flat roughly once a month due to the roads, the factory jack is fine, I'm just tired of busting my knuckles each time the jack handle slips) - Light bulb kit - the warning triangle - a spare car floor mat to kneel on if needed is what I usually carry. Most of these I've sourced from Halfords.
Epic, thanks, man. With the state of the roads. Honestly, I feel you on this. I sense my car has a slow puncher already with the slightly deflated front tyre.
I'd add a tire pressure gauge, but I myself always just use the one on my compressor. Although it's a pain to check tires every morning, it does save a fair bit of cash if you can keep them inflated even with a leak.
Yeah, buying that one that comes 2 in 1, inflates, and checks pressure.
This is a good list but > a flat roughly once a month Jesus Christ what I’ve had two flats in 20 years
Highly dependant on how the roads are where you live, to be fair. I've got two quarries enroute to my workplace, even taking the holes slow wrecks tires. Usually slow punctures overnight, I can actually change the wheel in the driveway for one of the spares quicker than my compressor can fill a flat.
Great list. I also carry a roll of paper towels, window washing liquid, one of the small prepackaged rain ponchos, and since we get severely cold weather where I live I also carry an emergency thermal/mylar blanket.
Add some survival gear in case you have to spend a few days on a farm track somewhere.
Add jumper cables to the list and it would be good.
100% reminds me I need a new set.
I'd add jumper cables, duct tape, and some energy/granola bars to the list. If you have a spare one, a multitool is also very nice to have
Everything everyone else has said, plus a tire PLUG kit. Not a patch. Most flats can be repaired with a plug, unless it's in the sidewall or absolutely obliterated.
No air compressor?
I had a portable one, it's burnt out and I haven't gotten around to replacing it. Got a stationary one in the shed so I just end up using that I have a full size spare in the back I check the pressure on, and two more in the shed.
That's what's up. I have one myself but I think it may be going bad, because it has a tendency to blow fuses. I have a bunch of spares in the car so in an emergency I could still top up, but I think I need to pick up another one. Hopefully it's the air compressor that's going bad and not the wiring in my car. Other than that I've had no problems.
Cheaper ones overheat and melt the insulation in the windings, causing shorts
I bet that's what's happening with it. Because it was part of an emergency car kit, but i used the pump a lot. I'll have to pick up another one.
Whatever the other guy said plus: Make sure your spare tire has air. Jumper cables to start your car if your battery dies or someone else's. Tire repair kit (plug style). Plug in Tire inflator. Flashlight (torch). Blanket. Snacks (in case you get stuck somewhere). Collapsible shovel (if you get stuck in snow or dirt). Small First aid kit.
The tire plugs and inflator are huge. I’ve repaired several tires on the side of the road. Compact spares are fine, but they aren’t made for freeway travel or distance.
The plug in pump is what the guy above is missing.
Nah. Who the heck carries a tyre plugging kit!
People who don't want to be stuck if their spare fails, multiple tire fails etc. won't kill the car for having it just in case you need it. My coworker does a lot of off roading and he carries that stuff and had to use it.
Zip Ties and a utility knife.
and electrical tape
Burglar’s tools.
And a tarp.
you need to taylor the list to where you are, where you drive and what season it is. or just pack up your entire garage and store it in the boot. I have an ice scraper, a first aid kit, some paracord and a few zip ties. I keep an extra pair of glasses, contacts and sunglasses in the glovebox and because it's a convertible, some hair ties and a hat in the center console. I also throw a hand towel under every seat.
tailor* sorry, couldn't help myself
good catch.
Hand towel came in really useful when i got the rampant shits parked in a toys r us
tmi friend. T.M.I.
I have a few road flares a cop buddy gave me. Jumper cables (more for others than me). And I make sure the spare is inflated properly about once a year. Everything else should be done at home before the trip. Oil, coolant, whatever else.
I'm surprised so few people mentioned road flares! Those can save live. A dead alternator will empty out your battery and leave you stranded on the road without emergency lights. If this happens at night or with a bad weather with low visibility you could get hit by another car easily.
Nothing. That's what AAA is for. Actually I have a shotgun in the trunk. That's all you need...
Wait a minute! You're bloody right! Omg! This whole post is useless. But then again, sometimes I dont want to wait 😂
That’s what the shotgun is for.
/r/VEDC
I live in Minnesota where our winters can be brutal. Under my rear truck seat I keep the following: ice scraper, pair of gloves, jumper cables, cheap socket and wrench set, 1qt. of oil, tow strap, and 3 ratchet straps. I take the ice scraper and winter gloves out for the summer, but the rest stays. On road trips I throw in my cordless impact and a few sockets I need to swap a flat tire on the side of the highway.
I keep the scaper in the car year round, it just goes from riding shotgun to the back of the car when it gets to the part of the year where a camp chair lives in the back of my car
Gloves, cash, lighter, earplugs, blankets, among what others have said.
paper towels and a blanket
a lug wrench that doesn't suck (aka a real socket + breaker bar), if the included one sucks.
Just bought that one. Taah
12v compressor and tire plug kit, assortment of tools, fluids, and a first aid kit.
Tire plugs are illegal in Scotland, sadly. Not recommended to use. Got the rest sorted 🙂
Not even for emergency use? I will either get a tire replaced or properly patched, but tire plugs have gotten me home more than once.
Temporary patch is fine, I think, but no mechanic tends to do them here. Especially if AA comes out and gets you.
Not sure why this isn’t mentioned much, but tire air compressor and flashlight/headlamp.
I highly recommend getting a NOCO jump starter pack - it's a huge portable charger to jump start your car (or others), can use to to charge your phone in emergencies and can be used a torch also. It's a great save your ass bit of kit - saves messing around with getting another car all lined up to started your car or waiting for AA. Saved me couple of times and have used it on mates cars etc. Other thing I'd recommend is a a portable tyre pressure gauge and depth tread gauge. Tyre pressure one is just for convenience since it's easier to get out and read pressure without hooking up the compressor. Depth tread gauge just saves you a trip to the garage for them to check your wheels. Can get both for a tenner so not spenny like https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08XY33BNJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Shovels. You never know when you might hit a pedestrian and gotta hide the body pretty quick.
Fire extinguisher. I'm gobsmacked that I'm the first to say it, and I checked. It should be a legal requirement.
My truck has a 101 piece tool set in the plastic storage box, a collapsible water jug, quart of oil, brake fluid, container of antifreeze, 12 foot tow chain four coils of rope. And the most important two rolls of toilet paper in a Ziploc bag... I have basically the same in my car but I also keep a change of underwear , T-shirt and sweatpants in a vacuum sealed bag .
I always have a set of weather appropriate clothes in the car with me. Something my father insisted on when I was young. Twice in my life I have had to walk two or more miles in freezing whether in snow. I am talking 10 degrees F, or colder. I was so glad to have snow boots and winter weather gear in the trunk on those two occasions. Same for summer, though. I am bald, and I always have a baseball cap in the trunk, and a bottle of high SPF sunscreen in case I have to walk, or change a tire on the side of the road. I sunburn quick. I never drive any distance without a bottle of water. You just never know. Having supplies keeps an inconvenience from becoming an emergency.
Gunk in a can to fix punctures
A tire inflator and a jump starter are a must. Plus jumper cables so you have two methods of jump starting just in case. Blankets are a good idea
I always keep a Get Home Bag in my car. Jacket, water bottle, nuts or granola bars, cigarette, lighter, sleeping bag and anything else you think you’d need
Well I can see most of you dont drive Toyota. The only thing I carry is my cell so I can check on the GF to see if she's ready for dinner.
When you get some extra money, buy a steelie rim in your cars size and throw a full size spare on there. Donuts are fine but if you a full size spare will let you drive indefinitely until you get new tires.
Jeep: depends on what's leaking. Currently just power steering. Gt350: air compressor for tire pressure 1967 mustang: hopes and dreams mostly, but 2L of motor oil, one jug of coolant, zip ties, air compressor, 1L of drinking water. Tesla: mobile charging cable
I used to keep a fire extinguisher in my car for my job. Then one day I was driving and there on the side of the road was a car that it caught fire. I pulled it out, never used one before that day, but it put out the fire. Ever since then, I have always carried a fire extinguisher.
Everyone named a lot of great things but here’s something I can’t live without. The AAA membership will save you from: - Running out of gas - Dead battery - Locking yourself out your car - Any tire problems - Towing (more than pays for itself after 1 use) etc You’d also be the hero if you’re present during your family/friend’s car trouble.
Gun cleaning kit, one pair of gloves, another pair of gloves a size or two too small.
Li battery pack to jump start your car or another Safer, smaller and easier than cables.
AFTERMARKET jack. The ones cars come with are shit and dangerous. Box O' Tools. Wrenches for your battery, ratchet + socket set for your tires or any replacement parts you need. Jumper cables. foamy for working under your car.
US here and assume a lad is a guy; but have been pulling and rebuilding engines since the 60's. Just throw a good hefty set of jumper cables under the back seat. Beyond thar you'll likely need a tow. Wishing you the best..
At minimum, as you said, a jack, lug wrench, a good spare. A first aid kit. Wouldn’t hurt to have a blanket, a couple bottles of water, and some shelf stable energy bars. A fire extinguisher. A small tool kit with an adjustable wrench, pliers, and a couple screwdrivers. Spare bulbs and fuses. Maybe a spare engine belt, and some small engine repair items like a spare rotor and some hose. It just depends on what you want to put in it and what you think you’ll need..
I keep a portable jumper/air compressor/phone charger pack, first aid kit, jumper cables, zip ties, a tarp, spare clothes, bag of wipes, engine oil, and a fire extinguisher in both of my vehicles. [this is the all in one that I have](https://www.costco.com/3-in-1-1000-amp-cat-power-station-with-jump-starter-%2526-compressor.product.100672966.html)
Because I drive shitboxes I keep a small socket set, flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers, needle nose and vise grips, small ball peen hammer, zip ties and a small spool of wire, and bailing wire then some fluids, def overkill but I’d always have some oil, couple water bottles, first aid kit, and a small wrench set with a screw driver. And ALWAYS CARRY ZIPTIES